3rd bridge across river to be built soon

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PRESS BRIEFING: Manyin briefs reporters on the proposed third bridge.

PRESS BRIEFING: Manyin briefs reporters on the proposed third bridge.

KUCHING: The third bridge to connect Petra Jaya and the city centre to ease traffic congestion at Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman bridge here will be built at an estimated cost of RM145 million.

Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong yesterday revealed that the project will commence as soon as the Public Works Department (PWD) has finalised all details.

The project, which includes the building and expansion of surrounding link roads, will start from the E-Mart area in Matang all the way to Jalan Stephen Yong, Batu Kawah passing through Jalan Stapok.

“The initial amount of RM145 million has been approved by the government. We will work on identifying the contractor whether through open or closed tender, depending on the Ministry of Finance.

“This project would benefit the people of Petra Jaya especially those in Matang. Once the project is completed, for instance, one does not need to commute all the way to the city centre if one needs to go to the airport,” Manyin told reporters when met after officiating at the opening of the Jalan Song/Jalan Tun Jugah/Upland interchange flyover here.

Also present were Assistant Minister for Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin, state PWD director Zuraimi Sabki, PWD southern region manager Vincent Tang and SUPP endorsed candidates for Bandar Kuching and Stampin Tan Kai and Wilfred Yap respectively.

Manyin assured that the bridge would not be incorporated with a toll system.

Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg recently commended the plan as it would provide an alternative route for commuters and divert traffic away from the often congested Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman bridge connecting Petra Jaya to the city centre via Satok.

“The government often received lots of complaints about the jam at Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman. Even the slightest of traffic incidents could lead to massive jam. Based on our study, the Petra Jaya-Kuching route via Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman is the most chronic.

“The scenario here is that if the government builds a flyover over the Datu Temenggung Abang Kipali bin Abang Akip roundabout, the people will still use the same route.

“Matang is an area with the fastest economic and population growth. Building this new bridge is part of the master plan to improve traffic and public transportation flow in the city,” added Abang Johari, who is also Tourism Minister, at the launching of the ‘My Beautiful Neighbourhood’ programme at Taman Sri Harmoni at Matang Mile 8, near here.

He hoped that the project would be completed within five years’ time.